How is the first month of the year treating you? I hope January has been as good to you as it was to me.

I’ve travelled to Norway with my husband and some friends and loved every single second of my trip. I got to see my favourite singer perform in what will be the most memorable concert ever, and was amazed at the beauty of the country. The fiords are certainly a place I will like to go back to.

Apart from that, I was able to read more than usual with almost 5 books completed, and start a little project that I will be launching shortly. I’m eager to tell you all about it, but that will have to wait because today I would like to talk to you about a new feature I would like to start called “author of the month”.

Last month I started thinking about a particular author and how incredible I find her because of her diversity etc., and I thought she deserved a shout out because of everything she has accomplished, one thing led to the other and I came up with the idea of talking about a different author each month. This is something I’m still working on and your feedback will be very welcomed! What would you prefer to read in this feature? An author interview? An author post? Or a post written by me about the author? I decided to start with something simple, just a shout out to an author whose books I love and can’t get tired of.

The author of the month in January is Joana Starnes due to her 5th audiobook released this month. Joana released the audiobook for Mr. Darcy’s Dutiful Daughter last year and has not stopped releasing the other volumes in audio version ever since, she wrote a post that you can read here at From Pemberley to Milton about how it all came to life in case you’re interested to know the story behind this decision 🙂

Her latest release was The Subsequent Proposal which has a special place in my heart because it is a mash up of my two favourite novels: Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. Have you read this one? What did you think? I’ve read and reviewed it a long time ago, and I’m eager to start listening to the audiobook narrated by Stevie Zimmerman, one of my favourite narrators who was also interviewed here last year.

Joana also has a special place in my heart, she was the first author I ever received here at From Pemberley to Milton back in 2015 who was publishing in English (the very first was Moira Bianchi who had released a Portuguese P&P novel called 45 Dias a Europa com Sr. Darcy) and was one of the first authors I ever read. But what really makes a difference is her writing. I absolutely adore the intensity of Joana’s writing and how she portrays Darcy, Elizabeth and their relationship. Whenever she has a new release coming up I always think that if it is a Joana Starnes book, it cannot go wrong, and obviously it never does. There is something compelling in her writing, and if you’ve read any of her books, I think you’ll understand what I mean.

So far she has written 7 novels and participated in 2 anthologies edited by Christina Boyd. She has written a sequel, several variations and 2 mash ups, but always found a way to keep me turning page after page in an eagerness to have more and more guilty pleasure moments that only end with the absolute despair of having finished her book and not having any more pages to devour. This happens to me in several books, but usually it doesn’t happen with all the books an author has released, hence the special place of Joana in my heart. She is one of the few who never disappoints.

To celebrate the release of her 5th audiobook, she has all her books on sale for 1,99$ or 2,99$ (depending on the title) until midnight today, so if you don’t own them yet, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to get them today. Tomorrow the prices will go up to their regular pricing.

I think most people have read her latest books, but have you read them all?

Here is the list of all her works:

From This Day Forward ~ The Darcys of Pemberley~ A Pride & Prejudice sequel.

The books I’ve mentioned above are just not enough for me and I’m counting the days until I can read a new book from Joana Starnes, I hope she will not keep me waiting for long. What about you? is she a favourite of yours too? If so, why?

Meet Joana Starnes:

Joana Starnes lives in the south of England with her family. A medical graduate, in more recent years she has developed an unrelated but enduring fascination with Georgian Britain in general and the works of Jane Austen in particular, as well as with the remarkable and flamboyant set of people who have given the Regency Period its charm and sparkle.

Now, for my author of the month post, Joana would like to offer 5 audiobooks of The Subsequent Proposal plus one paperback of the revised book. The giveaway is international and to enter it all you have to do is comment on this post until the 10th of February. The winners will be announced shortly after.

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56 responses to “Author of the Month – Joana Starnes”

What a great first choice Rita. I love Joana’s books which are always calling to be re read.
I’m really happy with any format you choose in the future as I love to read your thoughts as well as the author’s thoughts and reasons for writing what they do.
Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as i don’t have audio books and I am already lucky enough to have a signed copy of The Subsequent Proposal

Thanks so much for this wonderful post, Rita, for all your support over the years and last but not least, for nudging me into the Audible world and introducing me to Stevie Zimmerman’s exquisite narration style! I can safely say I wouldn’t be anywhere near to having my books in Audible if it wasn’t for you! Huge thanks for everything!

Oh, Glynis, thank you! You’re so kind, thanks so much for the lovely words about my books, I’m so happy you like them!

Must admit I think your idea quite clever so whichever way you choose to celebrate each author’s unique style,I’m sure we’ll love to read all about it!!

Just an idea but it might be nice to have them post their meandering thoughts on why they chose this specific genre to write in,or what Jane and her books mean to them,as fellow authors.

Looking forward to reading these posts in the future,Rita!
I’ve treated myself to all Joana’s books,have experienced the angst filled moments and the blessed relief when everyone gets the HEA they so richly deserved!!

Please don’t enter me in the giveaway. I was lucky enough to win an audiobook of The Falmourh Connection in the past so I think it only fair that others get a chance to savour the particular delights of Stevie’s voice and Joana’s imaginings!! ☺️👏

Mary, as always, I’m overwhelmed by your kind words and your praise. Thanks so much for all your encouragement and support. I’m so honoured that Rita chose my books to introduce this exciting new feature on her blog, and I can’t wait for her posts about other JAFF authors! Huge thanks to you both!

I remember reading “The Falmouth Connection” in 2014 and how I was instantly engaged by the surprisingly smart and innovative handling of “Pride and Prejudice.” I next read “Second Chances” and soon realized I had read a version of it on line years before–and that the author Joana Starnes was in fact JoanaS, who I used to read all her online stories with all the fervor of JAFF zealot! Fast forward to summer 2016 when I asked her if she would be a part of the anthology #TheDarcyMonologues,” and to my FanGirl amazement, she said yes! And then, last May while on my dream trip to England, I had another #DreamTeamMoment when I spent the day with her, Mira Magdo, and my own MrB touring #JaneAusten’s Chawton. I love all Joana’s stories and her Willoughby story for “Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s #RakesAndGentlemenRogues” proved she can indeed write outside of Darcy & “Pride & Prejudice” … I adore anything she writes. #fangirling

That was such a sweet moment, Christina, when we went beyond the FB comments & likes, started emailing & messaging properly, and I realised you’ve already read and loved ‘The Second Chance’ so much, back in my JoanaS & Derbyshire Writers’ Guild days. Meeting you face to face at last was such a treat, I had a wonderful time with you, Mira and Mr B in Chawton, and it was such an honour, not to mention really great fun, to contribute to ‘The Darcy Monologues’ and ‘Dangerous to Know’. Thanks so much for all your support, your kind words and the fangirling, this means so much to me!

Great idea for a new feature Rita and a worthy choice for your first featured author. I love reading about the writers who produce such amazing books.

Joana’s one of my favourite authors too, and I have copies of all of her books, some in three formats (ebook, paperback and audio). When I first stumbled across the amazing online JAFF community almost exactly four years ago, Joana’s The Second Chance was one of the first giveaways that I won and I hope to hear that on audio one day, too. I love my audiobooks (mainly, but not exclusively, JAFF) and they’re my constant companions on my commutes. The Darcy Monologues is reaching its end now and I have either Miss Darcy’s Companion, or The Subsequent Proposal or The Unthinkable Triangle next up on my playlist. My only problem is which one as I want to listen to all three at once! Stevie Zimmerman has done a wonderful job transferring the written word into the spoken word, especially her “Darcy voice”.

Thanks for this lovely comment, Anji, and for all your encouragement and support! It’s such a joy to know my books keep you company on your commutes, and that you love Stevie’s narrations as much as I do. Her ‘Darcy voice’ is well and truly to die for! Such a pity we kept chasing each other around the country and we haven’t managed to find ourselves at the same table yet, with some red wine preferably. We still have to draft the statutes of the ‘Let’s Torture Darcy’ Club 😀 . I had such a wonderful time chatting and joking with you about it (although torturing Darcy is no joke 😉 ), and I can’t wait for us to meet face to face at last. Many thanks for everything and here’s to meeting this year, fingers crossed!

Oh I really hope we can manage that meeting this year, Joana. I just can’t believe that twice last year we were like ships that passed in the night, with you travelling north and me travelling south at the same time!

I have read and reviewed all of Joana’s books, some of which I have in three formats. I enjoy her lovely use of the English language. I have had tears over more than just one scene. Plus Joana has reached out to me at times and is such a lovely warm person. Great first choice! Thanks for sharing here.

Thanks so much, Sheila, for your wonderful words and the fabulous reviews! I’m so happy that the world of JAFF has brought us together, it’s such a privilege to know you. Have a lovely and happy spring, and have fun whatever you do!

You’re idea for an author of the month is fantastic. I’m not picky and wouldn’t mind a variety of interviews, you’re own praise post or series of reviews of the author’s works. Whatever you have that will point me toward an author I haven’t read yet or need to get busy and read more of his/her books would be great.

Ah, Joana! This is so fabulous to see her get your recognition. I’ve only read two of her books so far (bad Sophia, need to read them all), but I’ve had the pleasure to share in the anthologies and see her generous spirit toward others. Her characters are engaging and I think her variations and mash-ups are clever. I’ve only listened to one of her audios so far, but I think Stevie is a great match up for Joana’s stories.

So wonderful to be on Christina Boyd’s Dream Teams with you, Sophia Rose! One of the things I loved best about contributing to the anthologies was working together with my favourite authors. Those projects were great fun. Thanks so much for the ever so kind words, you’re such a special lady! Best wishes, have a wonderful spring and I hope you’re busy writing.

I adore Joana’s stuff!!! Please don’t enter me in for a prize as I think I own every single thing she’s ever written (the audio books are to DIE for). She is a very rare talent with a beautiful voice as an author and I love love love her stories!!! She loves our dear couple and it’s so evident! I always say that I am jealous of the person who is just discovering her as there’s so much amazing ground to cover. And then rereading is just as amazing, still room for all the swoons! She writes angst and matters of the heart like no one else. I hope those readers who haven’t experienced her will take advantage of the offer. As for me, I’m anxiously awaiting her next book, but she knows this. 😉

As an aside, I’m so jealous of your trip, Rita!! Followed along on FB and it looked like what dreams are made of. Good for you!! 🙂

I’m SO happy we got to meet face to face last summer, Jami! It was long overdue. I’m only sorry you didn’t have a year to spare, I think we could have easily talked about JAFF for a year 😀 . Not to mention all the pretty JA & P&P places that are begging to be visited. Hope you come back soon. Thanks ever so much for your thumbs up, the support and encouragement. You’re amazing, and I’m so lucky we’ve met!

What a lovely idea for a series, Rita! And I love that Joana is the first author you are featuring! Joana is such a beloved author in this genre and she is such a lovely person, she definitely deserves this spotlight! I like how you did the post sharing your own thoughts, I love learning what other readers think about the same books and authors as I like to read. I would love to know which work of Joana’s was the first one you read? Or if you have a favorite (I know that it might be impossible to choose!)

I love Joana’s stories for the same reason you do, her premises are so creative and unique, and I love how easily she can pull you into the story and make you feel emotionally invested in her characters.

Thank you for the encouragement Meredith 🙂
The first book I read from Joana was The Subsequent Proposal in 2013, and it still has a special place in my heart. It’s hard to choose my favourite from her because I really do love them all, but I would say that my top 3 are The Subsequent Proposal, The Falmouth Connection and The Unthinkable Triangle.
What about yours? Which one is your favourite?

I love that you love these 3, Rita! Especially the scary Unthinkable Triangle 😉 . I wish I got my act together and wrote the sequel to that. I keep thinking about it, probably because there’s no other Austen hero (except Mr D of course) whom I find so fascinating and endearing as our dear colonel. Thanks again for this wonderful post, for all the encouragement, and for believing in me when I didn’t 🙂

Oh, Meredith!!! Huge thanks for all your amazing support ever since I started writing! It made all the difference, and means the world to me. I’m over the moon that you liked my books and felt emotionally invested in the characters, it’s so wonderful to hear that! Meeting you face to face, and in such a special place as Chawton, was absolutely awesome, and I can’t wait to see you again and chat about JAFF and our love of Jane.

Absolutely agree with you Rita about Joana! She is “The Queen of Angst” in my mind! I have read all of her books (though I only started doing reviews in 2016) and loved them all! Love your ‘Author a Month’ idea very much. Hard to pick a favourite but “Mr. Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter’ would be one!

Author of the month is a wonderful idea! Joana is one of my favorite authors. I own several of her books, some in both ebook and audio. I also first discovered her work at Dwiggie. I really appreciate how supportive Joana is of other JAFF authors and of the entire JAFF community.

Hi Rita, reading your post got me curious to read Joana Starns! Please enter me in the giveaway 🙂 I would be delighted to give it a try 🙂
Thnak you so much for keep me update on JAFF Fiction.
Hugs Carla.

It’s so good to hear that you’ve enjoyed your year so far and that you have had time to read more.

I really like your idea of an Author of the Month feature and I’ve loved this one so a post written by you about the author sounds wonderful to me.

I’m also happy that your first installment is about an author that I’ve read and enjoyed. I’ve listened to Miss Darcy’s Companion and to Mr. Darcy’s Dutiful Daughter. It took me less than two days to finish each of them. I loved both of the premises for the variations and the changes they effected on the story. But I especially enjoyed the intensity of the romance.
Besides that I’ve traded messages with her and she is really lovely.

I’m sorry I only read this entry after midnight therefore losing the opportunity of taking advantage of the sale. Nevertheless I still plan on reading at least 3 other of Joana Starnes’s works this year. The Subsequent Proposal is of course included in that number, since Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen book.

Awww, thanks so much for your kind words! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed listening to ‘Miss Darcy’s Companion’ and ‘Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter’, and that you loved the premise and the romance. Stevie’s wonderful style adds so much to every story, and her ‘Mr Darcy’ voice is absolutely perfect! I hope you’ll like ‘The Subsequent Proposal’ too. Stevie’s narration is fabulous, her work always is. Best wishes, and thanks for stopping by to read Rita’s post and leave this lovely message!

Absolutely love Joana’s work, and like you, I find she never disappoints! I have all of her books (except Dutiful Daughter, although I did read it 😇). You have certainly picked a worthy writer as your inaugural Author of the Month!

I commented yesterday but my post never has shown up so I will try again.
Rita, this is a terrific idea for a post and you did a great job! Your first choice for author of the month is an excellent choice. Joana Starnes is one of my favorite authors. The first book of hers that I read was her first book, ‘From This Day Forward’, and I posted a review of it on my blog. I have read everything she has written since and listened to several too.I eagerly anticipate anything she has coming.

Joana can torture Mr. Darcy as no other! Thankfully, she eventually gives him his much deserved HEA. Her descriptions, use of language, and superb story-telling always bring me into the story, and I feel as if I’m living it right alongside her characters. She is definitely one of the best JAFF authors ‘out there’!

Thanks, Joana, for writing such lovely and angst filled stories for us to savor. I can’t wait for more. Your Mr. Darcy’s make me fall in love with him again and again.

I’m not sure what my favorite book is. I loved The Falmouth Connection and The Unthinkable Triangle. (Joana, I always have to ‘think’ on this title!) 🙂 I also loved Mr. Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter and Miss Darcy’s Companion. Let’s face it! I love them all!

Joana is definitely a favorite of mine! I own all her books in one form or another and some in multiple. I have listened to Subsequent Proposal and it is amazing! Wonderful pick for your author of the month!

I have all of MS. Starnes’ books in Kindle format…and I am working on purchasing them in Audible format. Audible is perfect for my long roads trips to visit my family in Florida. I am a huge fan of her writing style…she writes the most compelling original and engaging stories!!